Eldepryl (Selegiline)

What is/are Eldepryl Capsules?

SELEGILINE is an monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). It is used with levodopa-carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is usually added to therapy when there is a decrease in response to levodopa. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• frequently drink alcohol-containing beverages
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to selegiline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• altretamine
• atomoxetine
• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• cocaine
• dextromethorphan
• diphenoxylate
• ephedrine
• herbal medicines like ginseng, green tea, guarana, SAM-e, and St. John's Wort
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• local anesthetics
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for migraine headaches
• meperidine
• procarbazine
• pseudoephedrine
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine or methylphenidate
• tramadol
• tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• medicines for high blood pressure
• prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• angry, excitable, panic attack, mania, restless
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• difficulty passing urine
• eyes more sensitive to light, enlarged pupils
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• fever, clammy skin, increased sweating, sore throat
• high blood pressure
• irregular heartbeat
• muscle or neck stiffness or spasm
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• trouble sleeping
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation or diarrhea
• increased appetite or weight increase
• increased sensitivity to sunlight
• muscle aches or pains, trembling
• nausea or vomiting
• swelling of the feet or legs
• tired or weak

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It can take up to 4 weeks to see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine. This may make your condition worse or cause withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice about gradually reducing your dosage. Even after you stop taking this medicine the effects can last for at least two weeks.

Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

If your doctor or health care professional increases the dose of this medicine to more than 10 mg a day, ask him/her about possible interactions with foods that contain tyramine. At higher doses, this medicine may interact with these foods to produce severe headaches, a rise in blood pressure, or irregular heart beat.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medicine.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, flu or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Do not take any medications for weight loss without advice either. Some ingredients in these products may increase possible side effects.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Tell your health care professional that you are taking this medicine if you are scheduled to have any surgery, procedure or medical testing.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.